Tuesday, August 17, 2010

My Declaration...



"I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power. My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear. I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes."


[Adding significance to this "Declaration" is knowing who wrote the first part of it! As the amazing and sad story goes, in 1980 a young man from Rwanda was forced by his tribe to either renounce Christ or face certain death. He refused to renounce Christ, and he was killed on the spot. However, the night before he had written the above commitment which was found in his room. As we step forward to serve Christ, some of us too may be called to be Martyrs...OR...we will be called to be "living sacrifices!" Either way...the Calling is a privilege and honor!


It's interesting to note that most of the world, even Christianity...when commissioned by an earthly King considers the call an honor. But when commissioned by the Heavenly King, they consider the call a sacrifice. May it not be a sacrifice to us, but truly an Honor of the highest degree!!]

Saturday, August 07, 2010

The Daniel CHALLENGE...


[What is the DANIEL CHALLENGE? Well...it's something exciting, something that is changing lives...but first, let me share my testimony!]

It's funny, but there's one question that I get asked almost MORE than any other besides my height and if IF I play basketball! This one question has followed me across continents, through public and private universities, and through many different work environments. The question: "What do you eat?" You'd think judging by the question that I don't eat hardly anything....or what I do eat is really strange food...like wild locust and honey, or some other weird oddity. But honestly, I don't think I eat that strange. I'm a vegetarian...along with about 8 million other Americans and many more millions world wide! The second question, after they find out that I’m a vegetarian, is usually – “Well, do you eat fish or chicken?” I don’t understand why these things aren’t thought to be meat in many minds. The simple point in my mind is, if it’s a animal that has a face produces babies, I don’t eat it! So I repeat, “No! I don’t eat fish or chicken! I’m a vegetarian!” The more appropriate question should be: "Why do you eat the way you do!" And this one I love to answer. You see...I'm not just an "animal rights activist" - (though it's true, I don't believe it's right to kill animals unnecessarily for food when we have plenty of food available without killing!) But I believe that the more closely we can follow God’s plan for our lives – including our diet – the better off we will be. (Just as we seek to follow His ten commandments, wholly and completely!)


So in a NUTSHELL this is WHY I eat the way I do.


In Gen 1:29, 30 it says:


“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.”


You see, in the beginning God created ALL creation – man and animal to be vegetarian. Their meat was NOT each other, it was the plant life of the kingdom. This is what He gave to be their meat. WHY? Because this is what was best.


However, after the fall and when sin brought about the world wide flood, it was THEN and ONLY THEN that permission was given to eat meat. In Genesis 9:3 we see meat-eating allowed for the first time. At the same time, God put the fear of men upon the beast (kinda like a self-defense and protection). It was a sad day…but with sin comes death, death that another may live.


There is a lot of commentary regarding clean and unclean meats – In Leviticus as well as other places in scripture, but I’m not going to into that at this time. The point I want to make is, God’s original plan was that there be no death – and this means we ALL (man & animals) were to be vegetarians!


Now we live in a world of sin – meat has been allowed (with guidelines). However, even yet I have to wonder, where there is a world of food and plenty even now, is this what God would like? Or might His desire even now be that we eat of the seed of the land and not kill animals to eat?


In Revelation we are told that the lamb will lie down with the lion. We are told there will be no more death. So, I think it’s pretty clear that in the end, we will return to the “garden of eden” diet. And if the plan is for us to return there in the future, why aren’t we seeking to return there NOW?


I don’t live as a vegetarian to WIN my way to Heaven by good works…I don’t live as a vegetarian just to spare a few animals…I live this way because I feel that the closer we can live to God’s ideal, the better off we are! People who have eaten meat their whole life can’t imagine what I eat…how do you live without a “meat entrée” every meal? But it’s simple…there are thousands of options, delicious options, options that don’t cause near as much cancer or heat attacks, or strokes, options that don’t raise cholesterol and clog arteries….options that have actually scientifically been proven to give greater longevity to my life! So why wouldn’t I desire these options. (Trust me, there are TONS of them...just come to my house for a meal and you'll be coming back for seconds and thirds - our food is healthy, but soooo good!) And I’m not alone, millions of others live this way too…


People don’t think they can go without their meat, or they aren’t willing to give up unhealthy addictions when it comes to rich fatty foods. However, I think it’s interesting to note that some of the most significant spiritual battles have been won or lost in regard to appetite. It started in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve gave in to the temptation of appetite. And where they failed is where Christ was first tested…his 40 day fast in the wilderness…and this is where He won!


Then think about Daniel and his three friends when they were taken captive to Babylon. At a time when it would have been perfectly fine to enjoy the delicacies of the kingdom (after all, they’d lost everything, they might as well take advantage of the rich luxuries that the King so bountifully offered!) – however it was at this time, that they saw the need more than ever to guard their bodies and minds in regards to appetite.


I love how Daniel dealt with the temptation of appetite:


“But Daniel PURPOSED in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the King’s meat nor with the wine which he drank…” so he went to the chief captain of the Eunuchs and begged him, “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days, and let them give us pulse to eat and water to drink.” The chief eunuch thought he would have his head chopped off, but he decided to honor these brave men. So they went on there “pulse and water diet.” (By the way, pulse means “Vegetables!”) And at the end of 10 days they were found to be fairer and fatter in flesh then all the children which did eat the portion of the King’s meat.” Daniel 1:8,12,15


Imagine that?! What a testimony!


In our day and age, meat isn’t offered to idols, it’s not put together in unsterile situations, it’s relatively safe…for the most part: Although there are significant studies out there that show the correlation of certain diseases with increased meat diets. See below…


A major study published in February 2005 reconfirmed the link between meat consumption and heart problems. The study, which was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, concluded that among the 29,000 participants, those who ate the most meat were also at the greatest risk for heart disease. The researchers also reported that a high intake of protein from vegetable sources like tofu, nuts, and beans lowers our risk of heart disease by 30 percent. Dr. Linda E. Kelemen, the scientist who headed the study, told reporters, “Not all proteins are equal”—while vegetable protein can help keep our hearts healthy, eating animal protein can put us in an early grave.



Here’s another interesting excerpt:


Vegetarians Live Longer and Healthier Lives

Most recently, medical research has found that a properly balanced vegetarian diet may, in fact, be the healthiest diet. This was demonstrated by the over 11,000 volunteers who participated in the Oxford Vegetarian study. For a period of 15 years, researchers analyzed the effects a vegetarian diet had on longevity, heart disease, cancer, and various other diseases.


The results of the study stunned the vegetarian community as much as it did the meat-producing industry: "Meat eaters are twice as likely to die from heart disease, have a 60 percent greater risk of dying from cancer and a 30 percent higher risk of death from other causes."


I don’t believe from scripture that we can show it is wrong to eat meat now…yet…I believe it is clear that it was not God’s plan in the beginning and it will not be God’s plan in the end….and if we learn to eat healthfully now, we will have more capacity in mind and body to serve God to the fullest NOW! As Christians with the high calling God has upon our life, I often question, “Why don’t we seek the highest standard possible…why don’t we seek to, like Daniel living in ancient Babylon, whom God was preparing for a special mission, seek to live with extra care and regard in relation to what we allow in our bodies! Why can’t we discipline our taste buds…??” Why?? The simple answer – because we don’t want to! We don’t feel like it, we don’t believe it’s that important…


However, will not the same God that honored Daniel and his three friends in ancient Babylon not honor us today as well when we seek to honor Him…even in our diet?


One of my favorite songs growing up was “Dare to be a Daniel.” Think on it now as you consider your own life and the choices you are making.


Standing by a purpose true,

Heeding God’s command,

Honor them, the faithful few!

All hail to Daniel’s band!


Refrain

Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!

Dare to have a purpose firm!

Dare to make it known.


Many mighty men are lost

Daring not to stand,

Who for God had been a host

By joining Daniel’s band.


Refrain

Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!

Dare to have a purpose firm!

Dare to make it known.


Many giants, great and tall,

Stalking through the land,

Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.


Refrain

Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!

Dare to have a purpose firm!

Dare to make it known.


Hold the Gospel banner high!

On to vict’ry grand!

Satan and his hosts defy,

And shout for Daniel’s band.


It wasn’t popular then, and it wont be now…but why not?! Let’s “Dare to be a Daniel.” Don’t just do it to save the world, or cause it’s the cool new-agy thing to do…do it to honor God!


"Whether therefore you eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do ALL to the GLORY of God." II Cor 10:31


[NOW - WHY did I set out to write all this...well, it wasn't initially because I wanted to convince you to become a Vegetarian....I just wanted to explain WHY I am one! The real reason I shared what I did was because I want to introduce you to an amazing program called "The DANIEL CHALLENGE." Try it out - for 10 days...and see if your life doesn't change - for the better!]

Friday, August 06, 2010

The Measurement of a Man...

This past weekend I heard one of the best messages on "Biblical Masculinity" I've ever heard...I can't wait to share it with all the "men in my life." Ha ha!!! No seriously, I don't want to nag or push anyone too seriously, but this is good stuff. However, it's not just a challenge for the men - it's a challenge for us girls too!!

During the sermon - the speaker talked about God's call to Biblical masculinity and the progression of growth that should be seen according to the Biblical mandate. He went through what He called the 10 Degrees of Manhood. He admonished us woman to be careful WHO we choose to marry. "You don't marry a Zero" He told us... "Nor do you marry a one or two...there aren't many 10's out there - so you don't have to wait for a 10 because you may be waiting a looooong time....but you should get past 3 - someone who has been bucked off his horse a few times, but He still keeps getting back on.....He is IMMOVABLE in His God! Only by this time is a man safe to marry! Only then, can you trust He is of the stuff that will carry through!"

So anyway, to give you an over-view - Here's what the 10-degrees were!

Level Zero - The Zero

{This man has no discernment. He does not know between truth and error, life and death...He has not been captured and converted by the spirit of God, but is just going on his own merry way trying to make a good life for himself! Danger! Stay away...not a man to make alliances with in business or in marriage!}


There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. - Proverbs 16:25


And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding . . . (The “strange woman”) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. - Proverbs 7:7, 21-23


Level One - The Gripped

{This man realizes the call that God has on His life. Great manhood starts when one realizes He is weak and nothing apart from God...but He chooses to look to God and stand in His Strength! He is set free from the power of darkness and He strides into the light...}


In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. - Psalm 18:6


He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me . . . He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. - Psalm 18:16-17,19


Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: - Col 1:13 KJV


Level Two - The Given

{This man has followed the call and poured everything out for Christ - He has broken the spikenard at Jesus feet and said, "Here am I - take all!" His life manifest a complete abandonment and un-reserved surrender to Christ.}


Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. - Matthew 16:24


Level Three - The Immovable

{This is a man that is unshakeable, he stays on his "white steed" - the one that God has called him to ride. He may get bucked off, but he keeps getting back on! He is a rock and he is going the distance. He is unwavering in trust and faith in His God! No matter the storm or tempest, he will not be moved!}


He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God - Romans 4:20


God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; - Psalm 46:1-2


Level Four - The Harnessed

{This man has begun to realize that there is more to the "Call" then He had yet realized. He is learning to walk by the Spirit and to relinquish his right to to position, possessions, and pride. Many men in Christianity today can quote scripture and give a Bible study by heart, but they don't quote it in their lives. "One is not truly holy until He is holy at home and with those nearest." This man is well on the way to being "holy" - He quotes scripture IN his life in action by the abiding strength of the Holy Spirit.}


And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. - Ezekiel 1:12


These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth . . . Revelation 14:4a I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20


Level Five - The Misunderstood

{In order for God to prove that He has the man, He must allow him to be misunderstood, humiliated and broken. It is then that you prove while you may not appear to be a man to the world, you are a true man to God. And despite being absolutely misunderstood, you keep pressing on! This man has real strength of character and is a rare gem in the making!}


And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? - John 11:37


But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. - Psalm 22:6-8


Level Six - The Hero

{This man serves the weak and needy. He's not worried about exalting himself or his status, but seeks the lowest place. He works only for the approval of God. He sees the orphan and poor as NOT equal to himself, but as MORE valuable than himself. It's important to note that THIS is God's caste system! Most christianity today teaches that we should treat the orphan and widow and poor as good as ourselves, but in scripture we are told, we should actually treat them better then ourselves. So a true man of God is a hero to the weak, to the destitute, to the struggling, even when no one is looking!}


. . . I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. - Job 29:12-17


For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day. - Duet 15:11-15


But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will God pay him again. - I Jn 3:17-18, Prov 19:17


For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall . . . He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. - Psalm 18:29, 33-37


Level Seven - The Chief

{This is the man that has reached a level of authority and leadership, not by self-promotion, but by simply doing what God has commanded Him to do. He has lived in obedience, and now He leads others to obedience. To often today we have clowns in the pulpit and in the places where a "Chief" should be standing. Men must be measured by scripture and not by charismatic ability or worldly degree or status. Only the men that have proven themselves - like the Caleb's and Joshua's - should be in this rank!}


Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. - Hebrews 11:34


When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: - Job 29:7-11


I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners. - Job 29:25


Level Eight - The Dead Man

{When we start out as Christians we think we are dead, and we may have crucified a few areas of our live, but usually still much of us is alive. This level a man has become completely dead - He does not defend himself, his reputation, his authority or his name. He stands only to defend others in Christ.}


. . . Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. - Luke 22:42


He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. - Isaiah 53:7


Level Nine - The Mighty Intercessor

{This man has become strong in God to be poured out for others. This is the kind of man that does not just stand in the gap for friends and family and a few in his church - He has become strong to stand in the gap for Nations. He will even wish himself accursed that others may be saved. Radical abandonment and poured out life in hours of prayer...think of Rees Howells or Praying Hyde!}


I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: - Romans 9:1-3


He hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. - Isaiah 53:7,12


Level Ten - The Measure of Perfection

{This is what a man ought to be...are any of us there yet - probably not - yet this is what we aim for. This is what the church should be about, raising the standard, aiming high. When Christ died to make us a 10, how dare we settle for being a one or two???!! If you know who Jesus Christ is, you don't stay where you are, you go higher....you grow, you grow and you keep growing! This is our goal - we might not reach it this side of Heaven, but this is what we are aiming towards. How dare we settle for mediocrity, living in the wilderness when God has called us to Canaan!}


Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: - Ephesians 4:13


WOW! I get goosebumps again, just reading through this! Not just because of the strength I pray the men in my life (my fathers and brothers) will continue to grow into IN Christ, but because it also challenges me to what God has called me to! And by looking at this list, I see there is still FAR to go! But in Jesus NAME, I press on...

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Prayer & Faith to move Mountains...and to set the oppressed FREE!!



A couple weeks or so back, we were having our weekly Friday night "Bible study group," and while we were talking, we realized that each one of us in our group was being hit with very similar spiritual attacks. (Tiredness, difficulty concentrating during sessions, health struggles, family issues etc!) It was amazing when we all compared notes...and even more convicting of the supernatural battle that we are were in. So while we were sharing and then praying for each other, I was convicted that we should be in much more earnest and serious prayer - and the thought came to my mind of starting a 24/7 prayer week - where we prayed around the clock day and night all week long. We would all write out our prayer requests and then attack them together in prayer. So I shared my idea and I was shocked to learn that others had been convicted of the same thing - doing a 24/7 prayer vigil! (I was sooooo excited to hear that, for it just confirmed in my mind how the Holy Spirit was impressing all of us together of the same thing....and none of us had had any conversations about the idea!)

So that night (it was Sabbath now), our group, plus others, gathered together in one place, and we prayed - and prayed and prayed. For ourselves, for purity of heart, for lost loved ones...there was weeping and anguish and tears and earnest fervency among everyone. The prayer time lasted several hours... In the mean time we took down requests from everyone. (I had already put together a form the night before right after I was inspired!) So everyone gave up to three requests and then they signed their names up on a schedule. It was exciting! I took the 3-4am slot as I have already been getting up at 4am and decided I'd try to stay up the rest of the night rather than breaking up the sleep cycle. (I know that was a selfish excuse, but I figured 3-4am wouldn't be too popular of a prayer slot!) Funny thing is though, all the girls wanted the middle of the night slots....it's like when you pray in the middle of the night when you have no strength, it's truly a SUPER-NATURAL experience and you realize God is doing this in you and through you, and it's NOT of yourself. I think everyone really realized that, so they coveted the position.

Anyway we finished our evening prayer time, and then the prayer 24/7 started at midnight.

And ALL week long it went.....I fought tiredness all week, but was determined to not let the enemy succeed in getting me down. Praying in the night was soo beautiful. We had over a hundred requests to pray for, but believe it or not.....it took usually a whole hour for my partner and I to just get through 8-10 of those requests. We would always start by praying that God would give us His heart for these requests and that we would pray in "His Spirit" and not our own flesh. (I've learned that this is crucial in prayer! We can't just sit down and start babbling....we need to make sure we are listening and in tune with the Holy Spirit.) Anyway, my partner Marlene and I had such a beautiful time together! Whenever the next prayer team would come on, we would show them where we had left off and they would pick up.

It's interesting, because when I've been in those times of drought spiritually or been feeling "burned out" due to playing "Martha" too long, I've struggled having the heart to pray for those I don't know, or situations that seem impossible. But it's exciting now because I can tell that God's been giving me fresh and living waters and He's growing in me a greater heart and passion for others - even those I don't know! As time went on through the week, I found myself even during the day just longing to get away and battle for the many requests at hand. It was beautiful. It was like I didn't want to stay inside, or do stuff on the computer or anything, all I wanted to do was go pray. I just praise God for this...and the supernatural strength He supplied!!

By the time the 24/7 week was over we had seen numerous prayer requests answered - from non-Christian friends (that had been prayed for - for years) decide to give their life to Christ, to victories spiritually, to clarity of thought and on and on and on!!!! There were soooo many battles won during this week - it was awesome!!!!

Another amazing testimony I have to share, happened a week or so later! Also in regards to the POWER of PRAYER!

This lady (who has not been a professing Christian, but was in desperate need of help) brought her demon possessed 5 year old daughter to our church to be prayed for. (And when I say "demon possessed" - I'm serious! From stories told, this girl was wild and completely out of control, and even growled like an animal when provoked. It was crazy! The mother had run out of options how to deal with her, but had heard God was working with us and she hoped we could help! Well, there is nothing in US, but we could point her to God!)

Anyway, so a group of us (I wasn't part of this group as I was away this weekend), spent time talking with her and praying and trying to help her realize that before she can help her daughter, she needs to break the strong-holds in her own life - and surrender to Christ. She did. She was set free from anger and bitterness and years of resentment and other things that had held her captive. Then the staff and students began to train her how to stand on the Word of God and claim His promises for deliverance. The whole meeting and intercession for her and her daughter lasted several hours from what I understand....and she went home. Progress had been made, but the battle wasn't won yet!

However on Tuesday - when she was home, her daughter had another episode of being out of control and manifestations of demon possession. She was refusing to obey her mom and started growling like an animal totally out of control! So the woman sent her non-believing husband and other son out of the house, and she grabbed her daughter as she claimed the promises, she yelled at the evil spirit within her daughter - "No! You cannot have possession of my daughter anymore! BE GONE! Out! You cannot live here!" Suddenly the chandeliers in the room began to shake, and the door burst open (there was no one there) and then it slammed shut again shaking the house. The mother said it was the most violent slam she'd ever heard! And as it shut, the 5 year old girl fell limp in her arms! The evil spirit had gone....

She called us crying and telling us that she was now FOR SURE a believer and would never be the same again! God had answered her prayer, even though she didn't even know to say "In Jesus Name" - the demon had no power, because she was speaking with the faith of God in her heart.

God proved faithful! Isn't that amazing! I still get goose bumps thinking about it all!!!

Just think the power over the enemy God has given us, if only - IF ONLY we will believe!!!!!!

"Go, preach, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give!" Matt 10:7,8

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

When should I sing?


The following are the times and reasons we should sing!

  • We should sing to Praise God & to testify to others - Ps 40:3
  • We should sing in the night - Ps 42:8
  • We should sing in the day of trouble - Ps 46
  • We should sing when surrounded by the heathen - II Sam 22:50
  • We should sing to proclaim His wonders - I Chron 16:9
  • We should sing with creation to our King - I Chron 16:23
  • We should sing because the Lord is coming to judge the earth (Thats good news!) - I Chron 16:33
  • We should sing to root out the enemies of our soul - II Chron 20:22
  • We should sing when God has blessed us - Ps 13:6
  • We should sing of the attributes of God - Ps 59:16
  • We should sing when He has delivered us - Ps 59:16
  • We should sing for all He is and what He does for us - Ps 59:17
  • We should sing forever, that we keep our vows to Him - Ps 61:8
  • We should sing to lift up Honor and glorify His name - Ps 66:2
  • We should sing to each other - Eph 5:19
  • We should sing to grow in grace and exhort each other - Col 3:16
  • We should continually find new ways to sing before God - Ps 33:3
  • We should sing in the congregation with the saints - Ps 149:1
In summary, I'm not sure when there is a time NOT to sing...for even in the day of trouble, we are encouraged to sing!

"The Lord is my strength and my song...and He maketh my way perfect!" Ps 118:14 & II Sam 22:33